19 Laundry Room Ideas to Create a More Stylish and Functional Space

Laundry rooms are the engine room of the home. They provide space to wash, dry, fold, and iron, but are also the storeroom for many household cleaning essentials, so get the design right and it will help calm prevail around the house. Many also serve as multifunctional spaces, doubling as mudrooms, utility rooms, and butler’s pantries. Add to that the fact that they’re often squeezed into a tight space, and laundry rooms can be a challenge to get right.

When designing a laundry room, there’s a lot to consider, from all-important storage and layout to sinks, materials, and lighting. While practical considerations may take priority, there’s no reason these hardworking spaces can’t have personality, too. In fact, these occasional spaces are the perfect opportunity to introduce cheerful, playful decor to make household chores that little bit lighter.

So, whether you’re planning a new dedicated laundry room, a laundry room makeover, or you're looking to integrate a laundry area into an existing room, these inspiring design ideas and expert design tips are guaranteed to inspire.

1. Create a Bespoke Laundry Room and Mudroom

In a busy household, a dedicated, multifunctional space that serves as a laundry room, mudroom, utility room, and household store is a great way to keep all household chores in one place. Working with a joiner to create bespoke laundry room cabinets around your architecture and specific needs is the best way to maximize space and functionality. Take time to consider your lifestyle and what you need to store, then design the space around it.

‘When you're planning how to organize a laundry room, consider how you actually use your laundry room now, and how you'd like to use it, ideally,’ says Courtney Tartt Elias, founder of Creative Tonic Design. ‘You can never have too much hidden storage – go as high as you can with your cabinetry to maximize the space.’ If you're incorporating an island, consider the flow of the space, she adds. ‘I like to plan for a minimum of 36 inches between counters, but I think 42 inches is best. You can certainly feel every bit of the extra space if you can squeeze it in there.’

This space by Creative Tonic Design combines the essentials of a typical laundry room while also serving as a utility space, mudroom, and extra catering space. Bespoke cabinetry offers abundant storage for laundry goods and housekeeping supplies, and low shelves allow easy access to large laundry baskets. The large island makes sorting and folding clothes a breeze, plus there’s a large hanging rail for air-drying clothes.

2. Go for Functional Yet Stylish Closed Storage

Plenty of storage is essential in any laundry room, helping keep unsightly household essentials out of sight. Floor-to-ceiling cabinets will make the most of the room’s height and make it easy to store large items like ironing boards, freestanding dryers, and household appliances, as well as utilities like vacuums, mops, and brooms. In this project by Katie Davis Design, stylish yet functional lattice-fronted cupboards offer both decorative detail and ventilation.

'For custom cabinetry like this, we really work with the homeowner to think through exactly how they need the space to function, what they need to store, and how they use the room every day. We chose the open lattice fronts because we loved the texture and visual interest they added, but they’re practical, too. The openings allow for a little airflow, especially helpful for storing shoes, bags, or other items that don’t always smell the best,' says Katie.

Fitted cabinetry is also a fabulous opportunity to drench a room in color. 'If you’re familiar with our work, you know we love to use blue as a neutral. Here, we leaned into deeper, richer shades that add personality but are still incredibly easy to live with. We also love to have a little fun in smaller spaces like these, and the patterned tile floors really add to that jewel-box feeling.'

3. Create a Country Laundry With Timeless Charm

If you love country style, consider a laundry room with a combination of Shaker-style cabinetry and open shelves for a relaxed, timeless feel. Introducing tongue-and-groove paneling will enhance the rural look, and for a classic country feel, you can’t go wrong with soft sage green, as used in this laundry room by Sean Symington.

‘For country homes, we love drawing inspiration from the surrounding landscape. This lovely soft green was the perfect way to bring the outdoors in, giving the boot room a distinctly country feel that’s serene, light, and airy,’ explains Sean Symington. ‘The wicker baskets add a practical element while bringing in a rustic texture, creating another layer that adds warmth and character to the space.’

Finishing the space with soft textiles such as Roman blinds and vintage rugs will contribute to a warm, welcoming feel.

4. Think Vertically

Laundry rooms are often on the small side, so save valuable floor space by stacking your washer and dryer and maximize storage by taking cabinets up to the ceiling.

‘In a small laundry room, I always want to use every inch of vertical space, but it still has to feel easy to live with. Take cabinetry all the way up for the things you don’t reach for every day, then keep your everyday detergents, baskets, and supplies within arm’s reach,’ says Tami Owen, founder of Owen Group Interiors. ‘If you're planning to stack appliances, then plan outlets, plumbing access, and appliance clearances from the beginning. Those little details make a huge difference in how well the room actually works.’ To keep spaces feeling light and open, consider white or neutral cabinetry.

5. Combine Different Storage Types

When designing a laundry room, consider combining an array of storage options for an attractive yet functional space, the experts suggest. A mix of cabinets, laundry room shelving, and drawers offers flexible storage options for a variety of needs.

‘This laundry room was a complete renovation. We redesigned it to take advantage of every inch, adding floor-to-ceiling cabinetry, open storage, a utility sink, countertop space, and dedicated areas for baskets and linens,’ explains interior designer Tracy Morris. ‘I love incorporating a mix of closed cabinetry and open storage in laundry rooms because you can hide the less attractive necessities while keeping everyday items easily accessible.’

Incorporating laundry room shelving alongside cabinets helps spaces feel airy and open. To keep them organized and clutter-free, hide away laundry room essentials in wicker storage baskets. Under countertops, opt for drawers rather than traditional cabinets, as drawers offer easier access.

6. Add an Island for Extra Counter Space

If space allows, consider adding a small kitchen island to your laundry room. Not only will it create space for folding clothes, folding towels, and organizing laundry, but it can also provide extra storage space on the shelving beneath. Having an island, or at least ample counter space, also gives you a place to pre-treat clothes or to lay delicates flat to dry.

A lightweight, open design like the metal island in this Whittney Parkinson project is a great choice because its slim profile keeps the space feeling open, and it is easy to move when needed. For a similar design, try this Modular kitchen island from Williams Sonoma.

7. Add a Large Sink

If space allows, add a large laundry room sink for soaking, washing whites, and hand-washing delicates. A dual-compartment design offers greater flexibility; if possible, place it near the window, as this improves lighting and allows you to enjoy the view. A countertop that overlaps the sink is also helpful, as it lets you wipe spills away easily.

‘The countertops and sink are soapstone, with the sink being carved from a single block of stone,’ explains Theresa Bishopp, interior designer at Herlong Interiors. ‘We went with the divided sink so the owners could soak a garment on one side while rinsing, spot-cleaning, or pre-treating on the other side. The soapstone is very beautiful and durable, and has more of a softer look and feel than other stones.’

When it comes to laundry room countertop ideas, materials such as quartz and engineered stone are favorites among designers, as they are extremely durable, easy to clean, and low maintenance.

8. Embrace Playful, Bold Colors

All too often, laundry rooms can be overlooked when it comes to decor. However, being small rooms where we don't spend huge amounts of time, they make wonderful spaces to be brave with pattern and color – what better way to make doing the chores a little more cheerful?

‘Doing laundry is boring enough; the room you do it in doesn't have to be. The deep purple cabinetry creates drama, while the yellow and white backsplash adds a playful hit of sunshine,’ explains Jessica Milburn, co-founder of North & Madison, of this colorful laundry room. ‘The graphic black-and-white floor keeps things grounded, with black finishes tying it all together. It’s a bold mix of color and pattern with just enough balance.’

When painting laundry room cabinets, always use eggshell or gloss finishes to ensure the surfaces are splash-resistant and easy to wipe clean.

9. Introduce Pattern with Fabric and Wallpaper

Laundry rooms needn't feel cold and sterile, as this space proves. Increasingly, designers are treating these spaces like any other room in the home, layering them with patterned wallpapers and fabrics to create joyful and inspiring practical spaces.

‘Lots of layers help to make a room feel timeless. Don’t be afraid to throw something into the mix which clashes; that’s often what makes a room,' explains Megan Robson, founder of Kit & Co., who designed this playful laundry room. 'I used Sanderson’s Hedera wallpaper, a clambering trail of ivy leaves, to welcome the outdoors in. Edward Bulmer’s buttery Persian beams like sunshine and brings so much joy and warmth to this space. A check, like a stripe, works with everything and can balance a room.’

If you're looking to conceal your appliances, consider covering them with a fabric curtain. Not only is it far cheaper and easier than timber cabinetry, but a curtain also adds softness and can help insulate sound.

10. Add Character with Textural Materials

Laundry rooms are often perceived as cold and sterile, but that needn’t be the case. Introducing a range of durable yet textural materials such as wood, natural stone, and handmade tiles is a wonderful way to add personality and character to your space. Here, Four Brothers Design + Build used a mix of different materials to bring warmth and character.

‘This laundry room is part of the side entrance of the home, which also includes the mudroom and butler’s pantry, so using durable materials was a priority,’ says Kristen Mendoza, project designer at Four Brothers Design + Build.

‘We went with terracotta flooring that has a good amount of friction, making it great for rainy days. We used natural-stained white oak throughout the rest of the home, so we wanted to bring that material into the laundry room as well. We chose a soapstone countertop because it is nonporous and stain-resistant, making it a practical option for a laundry room. To tie in some of the softer colors and materials used throughout the home, we selected a light green zellige tile for the backsplash.’ The space is finished with a brass hanging rail for added warmth.

11. Put Your Laundry on a Pedestal

A pedestal washer and dryer is a convenience you won't want to live without once you try it. It eliminates the need to bend over when you're loading the laundry or cleaning the washer, making the whole process easier.

While most top washer-dryer brands sell pedestals for their machines, the look isn't necessarily elevated. Instead, try a custom-built pedestal that matches your laundry room cabinets, like designer Whittney Parkinson created for a lucky client.

12. Introduce Reclaimed and Vintage Pieces

With their hard surfaces and multiple appliances, laundry rooms can easily feel cold and sterile, but there’s no reason why they can’t feel warm and inviting like other rooms in the home. Introducing antique and vintage pieces is a wonderful way to add instant character, as shown in this space by Kat Lawton Interiors.

‘We transformed this utilitarian space into one that feels just as seamless and beautiful as the rest of this new-construction, French-inspired Seattle home. At the center of the laundry room, an antique French white oak dining table from the late 1800s – sourced on 1stDibs – anchors the space while serving as a generous folding table,’ explains Kat.

Continuing the vintage French theme, Kat added a touch of luxury with a Statuario marble sink, which sits between French-inspired cabinets. ‘Inset cane webbing pays homage to antique French furnishings, where the material was widely used throughout the Louis eras. Beyond adding warmth and texture, these details celebrate the kind of thoughtful design and enduring craftsmanship that give the space its soul.’

Vintage wooden pieces are also a great addition if you're after a rustic laundry room. They can be picked up affordably at flea markets, yard sales, and online auctions.

13. Factor in Drying Space

Hanging space is essential on rainy days and when you have garments that are air-dry only. Standing dryers can take up lots of room, so to save valuable floor space, consider wall dryers that can be easily folded flat when not in use, as done here by JTW Designs.

‘Our clients, who have two young daughters, desired lots of hanging space, so we designed custom wall-mounted hanging racks to blend into the paneling to enhance the room's unity,' explains Jessica Williamson, founder of JTW Designs. 'Because the space was just off the second-floor hallway, we wanted the laundry room to feel inviting for the homeowners. Laundry isn’t the most exciting task, so the floor keeps things fun.'

There are plenty of off-the-peg designs; alternatively, make the most of your space with a bespoke design. Wooden designs like these can be easily painted to blend with your decor. Alternatively, try integrating a sliding dryer into cabinetry

14. Add a Ceiling Airer

A ceiling airer, also known as a dryer or Sheila Maid, is great if you need to wash and dry a comforter on rainy days, or other items like sheets and bedding. You can easily lower it with pulleys, load it, then winch it back up and out of the way to keep the floor space clear.

These wooden Sheila Maid dryers are a fabulous addition to a traditional laundry room or boot room, as demonstrated in this Hutley & Humm. 'The ceiling-mounted drying rack is one of my favorite details – it makes use of otherwise wasted space, keeps the floor clear and can be lowered when needed, which is particularly useful in a busy family home,' says Melissa Hutley, co-founder of Hutley & Humm.

'We chose a soft toffee tone throughout the walls and joinery to make the room feel warm and considered rather than purely functional. The Devol glazed pendants add another layer of character and provide lovely overhead light. It’s a hardworking space, but that doesn’t mean it can’t also feel beautiful and inviting.'

15. Create a Hidden Laundry Area

If space is at a premium and there is no room for a dedicated laundry space, then consider creating a hidden laundry within a hallway or mudroom. Concealing appliances behind cabinet doors keeps the space feeling streamlined and open.

'This home was lacking in storage, a proper mud space, and easily accessible laundry. We took over an underutilized dining space adjacent to the front door and reimagined it to support their needs,’ explains Jessica Williamson. ‘While we didn't have room to fully enclose their new full-size stackable washer/dryer in a room, we wanted to allow it to be enclosed in a way that shielded some of the sound from the equally adjacent kitchen. We enclosed the machines in a cabinet faced with Carnegie Xorel fabric, a breathable material made of polyethylene yarns.’

16. Maximize Light and Space

Choosing a light color scheme is an easy way to maximize the feeling of space in small laundry rooms, especially in rooms with galley layouts, which can easily feel restrictive. Maximizing light with skylights is another way to make the room feel more spacious, as demonstrated in this space by Kathryn Porter. Cabinets in Pavilion Grey eggshell paint help reflect daylight and complement the reflective marble worktop and backsplash tiles.

‘This was a laundry and plant room for a busy family home. The brief was to have it light and bright and very functional. We concealed around 2 meters of plant systems behind bespoke joinery and incorporated a hanging rail for freshly ironed shirts,’ explains Kathryn. ‘The floor tiles were chosen not only for their practical color, as the door straight ahead leads into the garage, but we wanted to use a small and interesting shape.’

17. Layer Lighting

As any interior designer will attest, lighting is crucial to a successful interior. In a laundry room, it's important to have a good mix of ambient and task lighting and, if possible, plenty of daylight, too. As with kitchen lighting, position task lighting over functional areas such as the sink, appliances, and countertops, and consider installing flush mounts or LED strips under cabinets to light surfaces if needed.

When it comes to lighting for practical rooms, fittings needn't be plain and utilitarian, as is demonstrated in this project by L.B Copeland, where a mix of brass ceiling, wall, and under-cabinet lights brings a touch of elegance and warmth to the neutral space.

‘As this is a hardworking laundry room for a family of five, it needed to be beautiful and practical. We used four small flush mounts, a larger pendant, sconces above the windows, and under-cabinet lighting to ensure there was plenty of light,’ explains Louise Copeland, founder of L.B. Copeland. ‘We skipped recessed lighting because we didn’t want anything breaking up the wallpapered ceiling.’

18. Consider Flooring

Laundry rooms are high-traffic areas, so durable flooring is essential. Porcelain tiles are easy to clean and low maintenance, as are encaustic tiles, provided they are sealed, while natural stone brings texture and warmth. Faux timber brings the beautiful character of wood grain with practical benefits, and luxury vinyl is easy to maintain and comes in an array of vibrant colors and patterns.

A feature floor is a great way to add a playful feel to a laundry room; plus, if your laundry room adjoins a kitchen or another space, a feature floor can zone it and give it its own identity. On a practical level, patterned floors can also hide stains.

Here, Sabah Mansoor Design opted for a stylish yet practical herringbone porcelain brick floor. 'I love the idea of a brick floor for this space. Because full bricks are so heavy and thick, I found a great alternative: a thin porcelain brick veneer. It gives you all the durability of brick but is much lighter and easier to work with,' explains Sabah. 'For the pattern, I mixed three different shades of gray to create the custom herringbone design you see here.' This flooring would also be effective for kitchen floor tiles.

19. Add a Linen Cupboard

In a large household, linen can mount up, so having somewhere warm and dry to store all those freshly laundered sheets is ideal.

'I always think it’s helpful to have a linen closet in the hallway near the bedrooms for extra sheets and blankets. If space allows, it’s even better to have one dedicated to the primary suite. Ventilated shelves or doors are ideal, as they help the linens breathe and keep them from becoming musty,' explains Louise Copeland. 'Since bedding and towels can be bulky, I’d recommend a depth of 16–18 inches. Anything deeper than that tends to become a place where things get lost.'

If space is at a premium, consider a sliding pocket door, which will not encroach on laundry, corridor, or landing space.

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